Trihydro’s Headquarters in Laramie Earns the ENERGY STAR® for Superior Energy Efficiency
(LARAMIE, WY)-– For the fourth year in a row, Trihydro’s corporate headquarters has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) prestigious ENERGY STAR, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. This signifies that the building’s energy performance rates in the top 25 percent of facilities nationwide.
"Trihydro is pleased to accept EPA’s ENERGY STAR in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts," said Jack Bedessem, President "Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship while also lowering our energy costs."
Commercial buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR use an average of 40 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Trihydro improved its energy performance by managing energy strategically across the entire organization and by making cost-effective improvements to its building(s). Trihydro has prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity use from approximately 17 households for a year*.
"Improving the energy efficiency of our nation’s buildings is critical to preserving our environment and our natural resources," said Kathleen Hogan, director of EPA’s Climate Protection Partnerships Division. "From office buildings to hotels, supermarkets to schools, the ENERGY STAR distinguishes those organizations who are taking environmental responsibility into their own hands."
Trihydro’s Corporate Headquarters utilizes a recycling program where employees are encouraged to recycle cardboard, plastic, glass, cans, and paper. Trihydro was awarded a certificate from Shred IT indicating that the corporate paper recycling program saved 90 trees in 2007 and 103 trees in 2008.
Trihydro’s Corporate Headquarters also has several energy saving systems in place to assist with lowering energy usage which include the following:
- Carpet tile consisting of 100% recycled low VOC material. Includes flexible orientation patterning to facilitate installation and replacement.
- Flexible HVAC system to allow flexible heating and air conditioning options.
- Linoleum flooring made of renewable natural tree bark of cork trees.
- Flush-less urinals, reported to save more than 44,000 gallons of water each per year.
- Cabinets in break room made of compressed sunflower seed bi-products.
- Low VOC paints used for wall coverings.
- Windows constructed of low E glass and solar-ban glazing.
- USEPA Energy Star approved reflective white roofing.
- Layout oriented to reflect natural light to almost all offices and work areas.
- State of the are security system to monitor access.
- Xeriscape landscaping that includes drought-resistant planting and native grasses.
- Selection of Energy Star approved products for printers, copiers, and other appliances, as feasible.
EPA’s national energy performance rating system provides a 1-100 scale that helps organizations assess how efficiently their buildings use energy relative to similar buildings nationwide. A building that scores a rating of 75 or higher is eligible for the ENERGY STAR. Commercial buildings that can earn the ENERGY STAR include offices, bank branches, financial centers, retail stores, courthouses, hospitals, hotels, K-12 schools, medical offices, supermarkets, dormitories, and warehouses.
ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products, new homes, and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2007, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved about $16 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.
For more information about ENERGY STAR visit www.energystar.gov.